At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Westminster's Property Licensing schemes and improve housing standards in the private rented sector.
- Company: Join a diverse team at Westminster, committed to community values and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of tackling housing issues and shaping policy for a better community.
- Qualifications: Experience in licensing, strong leadership skills, and a passion for community improvement.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and making a positive impact.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
As Principal Officer, you will deliver Westminster's Property Licensing schemes, including the new selective licensing scheme in one of the largest private rented sectors in the UK. Westminster launched selective licensing on 24 November 2025 to tackle poor housing standards and anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector. Selective licensing is in 15 of 18 of Westminster's wards, covering an estimated 44,000 private rented properties. You will join at the start of this journey, helping to improve management standards in the city's private rented sector.
You will play an essential role in delivering Westminster's Property Licensing schemes. You will support the team, overseeing licence support processes, ensuring consistency, accuracy and compliance with legislation by leading the Quality Assurance (QA) function. You will provide high-level technical advice and guidance on licensing to the team, acting as the subject matter expert and point of contact for complex licensing enquiries.
You will have line management responsibility for 3 Senior Licensing Support Officers, managing their performance, supporting their development through regular one-to-ones, and providing pastoral support. You will assist managers in monitoring performance, writing reports and producing data on Selective Licensing including financial reporting. You will support other teams in enforcing property licensing, through preparing evidence packs and intelligence to support investigations. You will also support the service in ensuring debt owed from the service of enforcement notices is accounted for and recovered.
We'll look to you to guide the team, shape policy and drive strategy. You'll contribute to continuous improvement of systems, procedures and customer experience, providing guidance, training and supervision to licensing support staff.
Westminster celebrates diversity. You'll help to embed Westminster values, fostering a culturally competent, inclusive workforce that identifies with our community and consistently models positive values and behaviours.
Principal Officer WCC622821 in City of Westminster employer: CityWest Homes
Contact Detail:
CityWest Homes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Officer WCC622821 in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the property licensing sector, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Westminster's Property Licensing schemes. Understand the challenges they face and think about how your skills can help tackle issues like poor housing standards. Show them you're not just another candidate; you're the one they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to compliance and quality assurance. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Westminster team and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Officer WCC622821 in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Principal Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to Westminster's Property Licensing schemes, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since you'll be managing a team of Senior Licensing Support Officers, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past and how you plan to support their development at Westminster.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at CityWest Homes
✨Know Your Licensing Schemes
Make sure you understand Westminster's Property Licensing schemes inside out. Familiarise yourself with the selective licensing scheme and its objectives, especially how it aims to tackle poor housing standards and anti-social behaviour. This knowledge will show your commitment and readiness to contribute from day one.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Principal Officer, you'll be managing a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on performance management and staff development. Think about specific situations where you provided guidance or support that resulted in positive outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
You'll need to monitor performance and produce reports, so be ready to discuss your experience with data analysis and reporting. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive improvements or make informed decisions in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to contribute to continuous improvement.
✨Emphasise Cultural Competence
Westminster values diversity and inclusion, so be prepared to discuss how you've fostered an inclusive environment in your previous roles. Share experiences where you've engaged with diverse communities or implemented policies that promote cultural competence. This will align you with their values and demonstrate your fit for the role.